Critical upgrades result of Sen. Nelson supported legislation

Senator Carla Nelson joined officials from Rochester Community Technical College (RCTC) on Friday, November 2 at the ribbon cutting ceremony for critical facility upgrades to the college’s Memorial and Plaza Halls. Included within the legislature’s bipartisan $825 million “bricks and mortar” bonding bill, the $22 million dollars for repairs to Memorial and Plaza Halls was secured due to legislation chief-authored by Senator Nelson.

“After years of supporting this much needed project, today begins the process of investing in the next generation of our workforce in not only Rochester, but the entire state,” said Senator Nelson, a member of the Senate Capital Investment Committee responsible for assembling the legislature’s bonding bill. “By investing in the education of our students, we are preparing today’s youth for the jobs of tomorrow.”

With Minnesota unemployment levels at record lows, employers within the state are increasingly looking to technical colleges to continue to develop a skilled labor force. Employers are having difficulty filling vacancies due to a lack of qualified applicants, otherwise referred to as a “skills gap”.

“RCTC is playing a vital role in training students to be leaders in their respective fields of study, and this crucial investment in facilities will ensure they can continue their mission for years to come,” added Senator Nelson.

During a tour of the RCTC campus earlier this year, college officials discussed the need of facility repairs with members of the Senate Capital Investment Committee.

“After speaking with officials at RCTC and touring campus, it was clear that the buildings were in urgent need of repair,” concluded Senator Nelson. “From rain coming through ceilings to mold growing in offices, something obviously need to be done. This critical investment ensures our children will be able to pursue their education in a safe and healthy environment.”